Apparatus for securing sheet metal heads to tubular bodies



June'26, 1951 J. w. MILLER EIAL APPARATUS FOR SECURING SHEET METAL HEADSTO TUBULAR BODIES 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 25, 1945 Mr MMe H mm M WMHm. I, T W MW 0 Y Q Y B June 26, 1951 Filed May 25, 1945 J. w. MILLER HAL2,558,576 APPARATUS FOR SECURING SHEET METAL HEADS T0 TUBULAR BODIES 6Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. r/a/zrr W. /7///er By Ado/ ob .4. Ha/@ ATTORNEY6 Sheets-Sheet 3 W. MILLER ET AL Q.w& vow

m3 rm HEADS TO TUBULAR BODIES xiii? 3 APPARATUS FOR SECURING SHEET METALJune 26, 1951 Filed May 25, 1945 INVENTORS tic/1: W. Miller By Ado/ obx4. Hale M W ATTORNEY June 26, 1951 J. w. MILLER ETAL APPARATUS FORSECURING SHEET METAL HEADS TO TUBULAR BODIES 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed May25, 1945 INVENTOR5 21.1 db/777 h/, /7/'//er [LL-5? BY 140 0002 H. /'/0/6W x rromvayy l I S Al June 26, 1951 J. w. MiLLER EI'AL APPARATUS FORSECURING SHEET METAL HEADS TO TUBULAR BODIES Filed May 25, 1945 6Sheets-Sheet 5 130 102 INVENTORS June 26, 1951 J. w. MILLER EI'ALAPPARATUS FOR SECURING SHEET METAL HEADS T0 TUBULAR BODIES 6Sheets-Sheet. 6

Filed May 25, 1945 r-| LirLiiiL l IILTIL fi Patented June 26, 1951UNITED S'iAES APPARATUS FOR SECURING SHEET METAL HEADS T TUBULAR BODIESApplication May 25, 1945, Serial No. 595,774

Claims.

This invention relates to mechanism or apparatus for joining metal partstogether and more particularly to means for securing heads or endstructures in hollow or tubular bodies.

The invention embraces the provision of mechanism, substantiallyautomatic in its operation, for simultaneously securing end structuresin a hollow body through distortion of portions of the body wall.

An object of the invention resides in a mechanism of this characterembodying means for securing a hollow body as, for example, a muiiiershell in fixed position while compound bending dies or instrumentalitiesare moved into engagement with the end portions of the shell to bend thelatter into overlapping engagement with flange portions of endstructures or plates assembled in the ends of the shell.

Another object is the provision of electrically controlled hydraulicmeans for actuating the body clamping means and the instrumentalitiesfor securing end structures in the hollow body.

Another object of the invention is the provision of means brought intoaction after the end structures are secured in the ends of the hollowbody, for discharging, the assembly of body and end structures from themachine.

Another object is the provision of means for securing end heads orstructures in muffler shells which is of a character readily adjustableand adaptable to accommodate various sizes and shapes of shells.

Still another object of the invention resides in a machine for affixingmetallic end plates in a hollow body having inter-connected electriccircuit controlling devices for initiating the operation of hydraulicactuators for performing a series of operations upon the body inpredetermined sequence and in which such operations automatically occurin proper order upon the actuation of a starting switch by the operator,the arrangement including'interlocking controls whereby operations ormovements of certain elementsmust be completed before subsequent orsequential operations of other elements are initiated.

Further objects and advantages are within the scope of this inventionsuch as relate to the arrangement, operation and function of the relatedelements of the structure, to various details of construction andtocombinations of parts, elements per se, and to economies ofmanufacture and numerous other features as will be apparent from' aconsideration of the specification and draw ng of a form of theinvention, which may bepreferredinwhich: V,

Figure 1 is a side elevational View of the machine of the invention;

Figure 2 is an end elevational view of the machine shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a top plan View of a portion of the machine showing one ofthe heading units;

Figure 4 is a side elevational view of the portion of the machineillustrated inFigure 3, certain parts being shown in section;

Figure 5 is a horizontal sectional view taken substantially on the line55 of Figure l;

Figure 6 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken substantiallyon'the line 5-6 of Figure 4, certain parts being omitted;

Figure 7 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken substantially onthe line 'ii of Figure 4, certain parts being omitted;

Figure 8 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken substantially onthe line 3-8 of Figure 1;

Figure 9 is a detail sectional view taken substantially on the line 9-4!of Figure 3;

Figure 10 is a detail sectional View taken substantially on the lineieit of Figure 3;

Figure 11 is a sectional view of the parts shown in Figure 5illustrating the position of the parts at the completion of theoperation of permanently securing an end structurein a hollow body; and

Figure 12 is a schematic view illustrating the electrical and'hydrauliccircuits forming a part of the invention; and

Figure 13 is a top plan view of the switch actuating means shown inFigure 10.

While there is illustrated an embodiment of the invention asparticularly adapted for securing end or head structures in rnuflierbodies or shells, it is to be understood that the invention may beemployed for any purpose wherein the same may be found to have utility.

Referring to the drawings in detail the machine is inclusive of a frameHi preferably fabricated of case metal of hollow configuration. Theframe is formed with a uniplanar surface or bed I I and an upwardlyprojecting longitudinally extending tang [2 which extends upwardly intoa reciprocally shaped portion is formed on the lower portion of each ofbed or sub-base plates ill.

In the embodiment of our invention there are two heading units i5 andit, positioned respectively adjacent each end of the machine and mountedupon the sub-base plates M, the units being arranged to simultaneouslysecure end structures in a mufi'ier body. As units I5 and I6 are ofsubstantially identical construction, a description of one will suiliceto explain their construction and operation. Interposed between one sidewall of the tang i2 and each of the subbases I4 is a jib [3a adjustingscrews I! being carried by the sub-base and cooperating with the jib 13ato regulate the clearance between the tang I2 and the sub-base to attainease of relative slidable movement of sub-base I4 and eliminate anytransverse movement of the sub-base.

Each of the headin units l5 and I6 are arranged for ready longitudinaladjustment along the tang 12. To this end there is mounted upon each endof the frame ill a bracket 20 in which is journaled a shaft 2|,collars'22 and 23'being disposed at each side of the bracket and pinnedor otherwise fixedly secured to shaft 21 so that the shaft 2| may berotated but will remain-relatively stationary as far as longitudinalmovement is concerned. Each of the units [5 and I6 is inclusive of ahousing or casing l8 fixedly secured to a sub-base plate [4 by means ofscrews 19. Each of the housings l8 of units 15 and I6 is formed withintegral spaced wall portions 24 and 25, wall portion 24 being providedwith an interally threaded bushing 28 adapted to accommodate thethreaded portion 38 of each of the shafts 2|, wall portions 25 beingprovided with guide. bushings 29 for each of the shafts 2|. .The outerextremity of each shaft 2| is formed with a squared or polygonal portion32 adapted to receive a crank 33 or other suitable tool for rotatingshaft and thereby adjusting each unit longitudinally of the frame of themachine. By this means, the machine is rendered adjustable toaccommodate mufflers of various lengths. The tang I2 is provided with acentrally disposed longitudinally extending T-sha ed slot 34 which isadapted'to accommodate locking bolts 35 for securely locking thesub-base l4 of each unit or head to the machine frame. In adjusting theheads 15 and [6, it is necessary to release the nuts 36 carried by bolts35 so that the heads may be free for longitudinal movement when theshafts 2| are rotated by means of cranks 33.

Means 'are provided for securely clamping a hollow body or muffler shellin proper position :during the end structure securing operation. Themufller clamping means is inclusive of pairs of relatively stationaryand movable members 3'! and 38. Themembers 31 are mounted upon the baseplates or sub-bases l4 and are secured thereto by means of screws 39. Itshould be noted that each clamping means and one of the heads or unitsare carried by a sub-base or plate I4, so that when a unit is adjustedrelatively to the machine frame, its adjacent clamping meansis alsomovable therewith. A will be noted from Figure 5 the mufilerconstruction 48 is of a type in which the shell 43 is formed with a pairof spaced peripheral depressions or grooves 4|. These grooves not onlyserve to properly position the end structures 42 in the muffler shell orbody 43, but they also provide an effective medium for positioning the-mufiler assembly in the machine. To this end, the grooves are engagedby beads or projections 45 formed on the clamping members 31 and 38 soas to positively clamp or secure the mufller shell in fixed positionagainst endwise movement during the operation'of securing-the endstructures in the shell. The relatively movable clamping -members 38, asshown in Figures 2 and 3, are each fixedly secured to a longitudinallyextending shaft '41, carried by each unit [5 and I6. Secured to the rearof each of the housings I8 is 'a bracket 5! secured thereto bymeans ofscrews 52. Eachof the brackets'5l is formed with rearwardly extendingarms provided with boss portions 53 and 54 which are bored to receiveshaft 41 to journally support the latter.

The movable arm 38 of each clamping means is adjustably secured on theshaft 41 by means of a U-shaped key 49, the leg portions thereof eX-tending into kerfs or grooves formed in the shaft, as shown in Figure 8,the key 43 being secured in engagement with the shaft by means of screws56. The movable arms 38 are arranged to be operated by hydraulic means.To this end an arm 5'! is secured to the outer ends of each of theshafts 41', being held in place by means of a key 58. Each plate orsub-base l4 disposed beneath a'heading unit has a rearwardly projectingportion 59 upon which is supported a cylinder 60, the latter beingpivotally mounted upon projection 59 by means of a pivot or journal 6|.Slidably'disposed Within the cylinder is a piston which is carried uponthe lower end of a pitman or rod 63, the upper end of the cylinder 60being closed by means of a stuffing gland 6 lthrough which the rod 63extends. The upper end of rod 63 is threaded into an opening provided inthe bight portion of a yoke 66, the latter being pivotally connected bymeans of a pin 61 to the end of the arm 51. Fluid connections 69 and T0are made respectively at the lower and upper ends of each cylinder 68for actuating the piston therein to operate the movable clamping members38.

As will be seen in Figure 1, the clamping members 38 are spaced apart soas to engage and clamp the ends of a mufller assembly in properposition. While fluid means is employed to actuate the pistons incylinders 60, there being one cylinder'and piston arrangement for eachof the arms 38, means are provided whereby the arms 38 will move insimultaneous relation. In the embodiment illustrated, there is fixedlysecured'to the'inner ends of each of the shafts 41 a collar or coupling13. The collars '53 are provided with squared central openings whichslidably receive and accommodate a squared shaft or bridge 15 which isarranged .to extend through both collars 13. It should be noted thateach of shafts 41 are hollow in order to accommodate the shaft 15. Bythis means the rotatable movement of clamping arms 38 will .always occursimultaneously.

Each of the units l5 and I6 are equipped with instrumentalities fordistorting or bending the peripheral end portions 46 of the mufflershell 43 over flange 39 formed on the end structures or muffler heads 42to secure the end structures permanently in the shell 43. As theinstrumentalities for bending the ends of the muffler shell'carried bythe units 15 and I6 are substantially identical in construction, adescription of one mechanism will suffice. Referringparticularly toFigures 4 and 5, the housing I8 is adapted'to be closed at its outerend-by means of a plate '80 which-is retained in place by means ofscrews 8|. Secured to the plate 88 by means of screws 83 is a collar orsleeve or fitting 84. Secured to the sleeve 84 is a cylinder 85.Slidably disposed within cylinder 85 isa piston 86 which is secured tothe end of a piston rod .81. The piston rod '8'! extends through theplate 88 and has a reduced tenon portion 88. Surrounding the 'tenonportion 88 is a sleeve 86 and a spacing collar 90, as shown in Figure:5. Mounted upon the tenon portion .88 adjacent its juncture with thelarger portion .of rod 81 is a member '93 which has laterally projectingportions "94 which are bored to accommodate studs 96, the ends of whichare threaded to receive nuts 9! which serve to secure spaced links 98 tothe projecting portions 94 of the member 93. Each set of links 98 ispivotally connected to second sets of links 99 by means of studs I90,the latter being adapted to receive nuts I! to hold the links 98 and 99in assembled relationship. Disposed between each set of links 99 is aroller or follower '12 which is journaled for rotation upon the studsI09.

The member 93, spacing sleeve 90 and sleeve 89 are fixedly secured tothe tenon portion 88 of rod 87 by means of a washer IM and a headed boltI95 threaded into an openin in the end of the tenon 88. Surrounding thesleeve 89 are spaced plain bearings or bushings I06 and I6! which areheld apart by means of a spacer I99. As shown in Figure 4, the sleeve 89is provided with a keyway H0 in which is disposed a key i I l forpreventing relative rotation of the sleeve 89 but permittinglongitudinal movement thereof. Surrounding the sleeve 89 is a secondsleeve II3 which is slidably mounted in plain bearings I I4 mounted inrecesses formed in the wall of the housing I8. The sleeve H3 is alsoformed with a keyway I I 5 into which extends a key l I! which isanchored in the side wall of housing I8 and disposed between thebearings H4. Thus through the medium of the keys I II and II! thesleeves 89 and I !3 are prevented from relative rotation in the housingI 8.

As illustrated in Figure 5 there is positioned adjacent each of therollers Or followers I02, a cam or substantially rectangular block I I8which is disposed in a recess formed in the wall of the housing I8. Eachof the blocks H8 is mounted for longitudinal slidable movement in thehousing and are resiliently held in their normal positions, as shown inFigured, by means of eXpa sive coil springs 20 disposed in recesses I2Iformed in the plate 80 and held in proper relation with respect to theblocks H8 by means of pilot or guide pins E22. It is to be noted thatthe ends of blocks H8 abut shoulders I24 formed on the inner walls ofthe housing I8 and are normally held in this position by means of thesprings I20.

The sleeve H3 is formed with rearwardly extending projections I26 whichare bored to receive studs I27 which extend through aligned openings inthe sets of links 99 whereby the links 59 are pivotally connected to thesleeve II 3. The spacer or sleeve 90 is formed with an enlargedcylindrical portion or cam surface I30 which cooperates with the rollersor followers I02 journaledupon the studs H09. As will be hereinafterexplained in further detail the cylindrical surface I33 contacts therollers I02 in order to prevent the sets of links 9'8 and 99 fromattaining a position in which axes of the studs 55, Iilil, and I2? liein a single plane. Secured to the sleeve 89 by means of bolts I32 is aninstrumentality or member 33 which in the embodiment illustrated asshown in Figure 7 is of cylindrical configuration. It is to beunderstood that the arrangement as disclosed is to aflix end structuresin a mufller shell of cylindrical configuration, however it iscontemplated that the machine may be utilized for constructions of othershapes by modifying the configuration of the member I33. Surrounding themember H33 is a second instrumentality or member I35 which is of annularconfiguration when the machine is adapted for a cylindrical mufiler. Themember l35 has an inner surface arranged to be mounted upon the exteriorforward portion of sleeve H3 as shown in Figure 5 6 and is securedthereto by means of screws I36, the latter having their threadedportions in threaded half round registering openings in the adjacentportions of sleeve H3 and member I35. The forward portion of member I35is provided with a die portion I31 whose inner surface I38 is of thesame configuration as the exterior surface of member I33, the latterbeing arranged for slidable movement relative to the member I31. Themembers I3? and I33 are arranged to be moved successively intoengagement with the end flange portion 46 of the hollow body or mufflershell 33 to distort or bend portion 46 into overlapping engagement withflange 39 formed on the end head structure of the mufiler assembly asshown in Figure 5. Members I33 are provided with recesses I33 toaccommodate the overlap seam on the muffler body. The members I33 and IEll of each heading unit or mechanism are actuated by hydraulic meansacting upon the pistons 86, the hydraulic means being electricallycontrolled by instrumentalities hereinafter described.

The annular member I35 is formed with a laterally extending boss portionM9 to which is secured a plate or bracket I (H which is secured to theannular member 135 by means of screws I92 and E43. Secured to the plateI4! and extending longitudinally of the machine is a U- shaped member orclamp locking means I which is held in place by means of screws I46extending into threaded openings in the bracket ME. As particularlyshown in Figure -8, the stationary and movable clamps 37 and 38 areformed with integral forwardly extending projections I43 and 569. Theseprojections are juxtaposed as shown in Figure 8 when the clamps 3'! and38 are in a muffler shell clamping position. As the heads or units I5and I5 move forward to bring the die members 533 and I3! into engagementwith the muflier shell $3, the yoke or looking means I45 is movedforwardly and straddles the projections M8 and I49 serving as a positiveclamping means preventing separation of clamps 31 and 38 during theperiod of time in which work is being performed by members I33 and I3?upon the mufrler assembly. Each of the stationary clamps 31 is securedto its adjacent housing I3 by means of struts or rods H threaded intoopenings provided in the housing is, the rods being locked by means ofnuts M. The rods H are secured to the clamps 3? by nuts 76 disposed ateither side of the clamp and threaded onto the rods. These rods orstruts tie the housing i'S to the clamp 37 and serve to resist thelongitudinal stresses imparted to the clamp during the bendingoperations performed by members I37 and 33.

Means are provided to elevate the muffler assembly ill out of engagementwith the lower clamp 31 after the Work operations are performed upon themuifier assembly. This means is inclusive of a pair of arms I50 each armbeing secured by means of a key l5I to a shaft E52, the latter being journaled in a bearing carried by web portion I53 forming a part ofbracket I5! and in a bearing mounted in the end of an arm i5? which issecured to the stationary clamping element 3'! by means of screws E56.Also keyed upon each of the shafts I52 is an arm which is bifurcated atits free end to receive and accommodate a link or bar I54, the latterbeing adjust-ably connected to link I58 which is pivoted at one end bymeans of a pin I59 to a projection I53 formed integrally with the leveror arm 57. The extension or link I5 1 extends into a furcation formed inthe arm I51, the link extension I54 being provided with a notch I60arranged to take over a pin I BI carried by the arm I51. The link I54 isconnected at its lower end to a contractile spring I62 the other end ofthe spring being secured to the projecting portion 58 formed upon thesub-base or plate 36. The stress of the spring I62 serves at all timesto urge the link Had into engagement with the pin IEI carried by the armI51.

Secured to web I53 of bracket is an abutment bar I84 adjustably mountedby means of screws I65 extending through a slot I68 formed in the bar.Mounted in the end of car IM is a cylindrical pin I56. Extension I511 isprovided with threaded openings to receive screws I88 which extendthrough a slot I88 in link I58 to secure the extension lid to the linkI58. Adjustment may be made between the link I58 and the extension linki54 by means of the screw and slot arrangement. Carried by the link I58is a block or member I18 which is arranged to engage pin I66 uponclockwise movement of pin I58 about the axis of shaft 41 when the clamps38 are swung to a position out-of-use. The engagement of block I18 andpin I88 causes relative hinging movement of link I58 and extension I54to disengage the notch I68 from pin I6I, which action permits the armI51 to swing in a counter clockwise direction as viewed in Figure 2about the axis of shaft I52 and thus the arms I55 swing downwardly bygravity, the lowermost position of the arms being determined byadjustable stops or abutments IM.

The abutments [46, as shown in Figure 8, are each provided with a slotI41 through which extend screws I1I threaded into the arm or projectionI55. The abutments Hi4 may be adjusted to determine the position of armsI50 for accommodating mufller assemblies of different sizes.

The coordinated actions and movements of the several instrumentalitiesor elements in their proper sequential relationship are initiated andcontrolled by electrical means in cooperation with hydraulic means topermanently secure the end structures in the muiiler shells or the like.An electrical switch means I88 is arranged to control or permit movementof the clampin arms 38. Mounted upon one of the shafts 41 is a collarI82 which is pinned or otherwise fixedly carried upon the shaft. Asshown in Figures 3 and 9, the collar I82 supports a cam or disc I33 thelatter being provided with a pair of diametrically opposed arcuate slotsI85 which are adapted to receive and accommodate screws I85 which arethreaded into openings formed in the collar I82. By this means the discI 83 may be adjusted so that the recessed surface I81 and the ramps I88and I89 may cooperate properly with a roller I98 journaled upon theouter end of a switch arm I9I, the latter being pivoted upon a pintleI92 associated with switching mechanism or circuit controlling meanscontained within a switch box or housing 86. The switch box I88 issupported upon a bracket 58I carried by the member or bracket 5i.

Each of the heading units I5 and I6 is provided with a switch mechanismforming an auxiliary means determining the completion of movement of theinstrumentalities in the performance of the flanging operation upon themuliler shell. As will be hereinafter explained the several switchmechanisms are intercalated in electrical circuits in order to controlthe application of an hydraulic medium to operate the variousinstrumentalities. vAs shown in Figures .4, .6 and 10, the housing I8 isformed with an opening 280 which .is normally closed by means of a plate2M held in position by means of screws 202. Welded to plate.,2,8I anddepending therefrom is a cylindrical projection 283 which is bored toaccommodate a bearing or bushing 284. Journaled Within the bearing 204is a shaft20'l, the lower end of the shaft being bifurcated to receive alaterally extending finger 208 secured to the shaft by means of rivets289. The shaft extends upwardly and immediately above the plate 213i issurrounded by a disc ZI-D. Superposed above disc 2H} is a member 2Hhaving a cylindrical recess larger than the diameter of shaft 281 withinwhich is disposed a coil spring 2I3, the lower end portion of the springextending radially and lying in a radial groove .2I4 formed in the uppersurface of disc 2I8, the other end of the spring extending into anopening formed in the-shaft 201. The member-2l| is formed at its lowerend with a flange 2 l6 having a sector shaped recess 2 I1 within whichprojects the upper end of a pin 2H3 fixedly mounted in'disc 2I8 andplate 20L The member 2II is adapted to rotate with the shaft 201, beingsecured thereto by means of a bolt 206. The upper end of shaft 281 isformed with a substantially rectangular portion to receive thebifurcated extremity of a laterally extending arm 22.8, the latter beingsecured to shaft 281 by means of a bolt 22L An opening in the arm 220 isthreaded to receive an abutment screw 22 which may be adjusted relativeto the arm-22G and locked in proper position by means or" a nut 223. Theabutment screw 222 is adapted to engage-a roller 22 i journaled at theend of a switch arm 226, the latter associated with switching mechanismcontained within the housing 228, the latter being supported upon thehousing I8. The member 93 carried upon the shaft 88 is provided at itsupper portion with a threaded opening to receivea threaded tenon 229integrally formed on a member23i}. The member 238 is so disposed that asthe die member I33 approaches its'forward limit of movement, the member235 will engage the laterally extending finger 208 and rotate shaft'2ll1and arm 228, causing the abutment screw to engage roller 224 on switcharm 22% to initiate the operation of the switch for a purpose to behereinafter explained. The coil spring 2I3 is arranged to cooperate withshaft 281 and themember 2I I to return theshaft and mechanism carriedthereby to their normal position when the arm2il8 is out ofengagementwith member 238. The walls bounding the extremities of therecess 2 I1 in flange 2I6 of member 2| I oooperate with pin 2I8 todefine the limits of rotary movement of shaft 281.

Figure 12 illustrates the electrical circuits, switches and otherinstrumentalities forming the actuating and control system for thehydraulic means utilized for actuating the pistons 86 in cylindersandpistons 55 in cylinders 60. In Figure 12 the designations LI and L2indicate the respective current supply lines of a two wire system.A'starting switch 24!] is connected to a magnetic contacter switch 242,the latter having dual sets .of contacts 243 and 2%. The contact 258 isconnected to a solenoid contained within housing 2 36 for initiating themovement or operation of hydraulic valve control means contained withinhousing 261. The contact 2 34 is connected through anemergency stopswitch 253 to contact 2 59 of a switch 250 and with contacts 25l of asimilar switch 252. The contact 254 of switch 256 and contact 255 ofswitch 252 are connected together. Another magnetic contacter switch 266of the same character as switch 242 is provided with contacts 26I and252, contact 26I being connected to contact 258 of switch 256 and to theemergency stop switch 253. Contact 215 is connected to the switchmechanism I36 and contact ZEI is connected to a solenoid containedwithin housing 265 for controlling the operation of hydraulic valvemechanism contained in housing 241.

The hydraulic circuits are also shown in Figure 12 together with otherinstrumentalities and valve arrangements for directing the flow of fluidunder pressure to the various cylinders or hydraulic actuators in theproper sequence of operation. It is to be noted that the machine frame Iis of a hollow configuration and provides ample space to accommodate afluid reservoir and motor-driven fluid pump and other accessoriesforming part of the hydraulic actuating system. As indicated in theschematic diagram of Figure 12, the fluid reservoir 210 provides asupport for an electric motor 2' which is adapted to drive a dual typehydraulic pump contained within a housing 213. The pump housing isprovided with an oil inlet 214 extending into the reservoir 21!]. Theoil-pump is of a conventional high and low pressure stage construction.It has been found that for high pressure use, a pressure ofapproximately 850 lbs. per square inch is satisfactory the pressurebeing controlled by a pressure relief valve 216. The low pressure sideof the pump is controlled by means of a relief valve 218 so as toestablish in certain of the fluid lines a pressure of approximately 80lbs. per square inch. The low pressure fluid lines in the diagram ofFigure 12 are illustrated by heavy broken lines, the fluid pressure inthese lines being utilized to actuate the hydraulic control valvescontained within housing241, the position of these valves and theiroperation being controlled by the solenoids 246 and 265 for purposeshereinafter explained. The reservoir 210, motor 21I, and pump 213 andassociated accessories may be housed within the hollow interior of themachine frame or in any other convenient location. Further explanationof the various instrumentalities and circuits, both electrical andhydraulic, will be given in connection with the operation of the machineof the present invention.

A full cycle of operations of the machine and its various elements insecuring heads or end structures in a mufller assembly is as follows:The operator first places a muflier shell assembly 46 or the like in thelower clamps or supports 31. The end structures 42 have beenpre-assembled within the muffler shell or body 43 and are positioned inthe shell by means of their engagement with the inwardly extendingcircumferential ridge 45' as shown in Figure 5. The clamps 31 areprovided with beads or ridges 45 which extend into the rooves in themufller shell formed by the ridges 45. Thus the engagement of thebeading 45 in the grooves provides a positive means for properlypositioning the muffler assembly in the stationary supports or clamps31. It is to be understood that the levers or arms I50 are at theirlowermost position so as to be out of engagement with the mufllerassembly, during the work performing operations. After the preassembledmufiler is in the position above mentioned, the machine operatormanually depresses the starting button of starting switch 246 tocomplete an electrical circuit from a power source of electrical energyto the magnetic contacter switch 242. As soon as the starting switch 240completes the circuit therethrough to the coil 24I which then energizedcloses respectively contacts 244 and 243, the closing of contacts 243completes the electric circuit through wire 245 to the solenoid 246which actuates the latter to initiate an hydraulic control meansassociated therewith so that the low pressure fluid circuit in hydraulicline 256 to actuate a main hydraulic control valve (not shown) disposedin housing 241. This movement of the main valve causes fluid in the highpressure hydraulic line 251 to pass through the valve housing 241 intothe hydraulic line 258 to a sequence valve 259. The sequence valve 259is so arranged that oil or fluid from line 2 58 will flow through thesequence valve, through line 305, and through the Siamese lines 36l and392 to the upper ends of the cylinders 66 through the inlet pipes 15.The fluid, being under comparatively high pressure, moves the pistons 55downwardly thus swinging the movable clamping arms 38 downwardly in acounterclockwise direction as viewed in Figure 2, causing thesemicylindrical recessed portion of each arm to engage the upper endportions of the mufller shell 43 so that the upper and lower clamps 38and 31 conjointly and securely retain or anchor the muffler assembly inproper position. The upper clamp 38 is provided with a tenon 68 whichregisters with and extends into a recess in the lower clamp 31 so thatthe clamping members are maintained in proper relation when in mufflerclamping position.

Whenthe pistons 55 have moved downwardly a sufiicient distance to bringthe clamps 38' into clamping position, viz. in engagement with clamps31, further downward movement of the pistons 55 is thus prevented with aconsequent rapid rise in the fluid pressure in the lines 36! and 302.When thi pressure reaches a predetermined value depending upon thepressure setting of the sequence valve 259, the latter is provided witha movable element or valve (not shown), which is actuated by reason ofthe increase in fluid pressure in the sequence valve, to divert thefluid flow to the outlet 3G5, thence to the Siamese lines 306 and 351which lead respectively to the outer ends of the cylinder 85.

The advent of fluid under pressure to the cylinders reacts against thepistons 86 to simultaneously move each of the rods inwardly, or asviewed in Figure 5, in a left-hand direction. As the rod 81 progressesinwardly it carries with it the member 93. By reason of the engagementof rollers I62 with the inner surfaces of blocks or cams I I8, the links96 and 99 together form a toggle arrangement through which the sleeve 89is moved to the left carrying with it the member I33 and the member I35.It should be noted that the chamfered entrance I39 of the forming ringor die I38 is brought into engagement with the end portion 45 of themuffler shell 43. The angular or chamfered surface I39 distorts or bendsthe end portion 46 inwardly at an angle substantially that of theangularity of the surface I39. At the completion of this distortion orbending of end portion 46 by the rin I38, the rollers I52 haveprogressed or traveled to a point where they are permitted to moveoutwardly along the cam or inclined surfaces I25 formed at the ends ofthe blocks I I8. As the rollers I62 move outwardly further forwardmovement of sleeve 89 and rin I38 does not take place 1-1 as furtherleft-hand movement of rod 81 results in the lateral collapsing of thelinks 98' and 9.9, as shown in Figure 11. The rod 8?, however, continuesits left-hand movement, as viewed in Figure 5, bringing the angularlydisposed entrance wall 341 of the plunger die or member i33 intoengagement with the end portion :28 of the muffle shell which haspreviously been bent at an angle by its engagement with surface I39. ofmember l38. Further movement in a left-hand direction of member 833completely bends or distorts the end portions 58. of the muffler shellupon itself and in overlapping relationship with the flanges 39 formedon the muffler end structure. It is to be understood that the sequenceof operations of members I37 and IE3 are taking place substantialysimultaneously in each of the units or heads [5 and IE3, so that the endstructures in each end are simultaneously fixedly secured by distortionof the end portions 45' of the shell. Thus, longitudinal pressuresacting to dislodge the muiiler shell from the clamps 3i and 38 aresubstantially equalized or balanced out in View of the fact that thehydraulic pressures in hydraulic lines 385 and 35'! are substantiallyequal.

Should one heading unit encounter increased resistance in securing anend structure in the muflier as compared with that encountered at theother end then a differential of pressure actin longitudinally of themuffler shell may momentarily arise. However, the yokes M 5 havepreviously straddled the projections E48 and 549 formed on the clamps aland 38, this occurring during preliminary movement of member H31, sothat unbalanced longitudinal pressures will not dislodge the muflierassembly as the clamps are securely locked together by the yokes M5.

As each of the units I 5 and it is provided with a switching means viz.unit l5 supporting the switch 259 and unit it supporting the switch 252,they are interconnected so that both pistons 86 must be moved to theirinnermost positions, completely flanging each end portion 46 of themuffler shell over its adjacent end closure before the fluid pressure isreleased in the lines 305 and 3M. In order to assure that each endclosure is properly fastened by means of the overlapping of portion $6,the contact 255 of switch 252 and 256 of switch 255 are connected by acommon connector SE35. Thus the movable switch arms 225 must both beactuated by engagement with members 230 to close contacts 255 and 258 inswitch and contacts 255 and 259 in switch 252, before a circuit iscompleted from the power line or current source through connector 389and connector F) to actuate the coil 212 in magnetic contacter switch268 to complete the circuit from the current supply through contact 262and connector 3!! to energize solenoid 255, the latter controlling fluidflow from the low pressure line 312 to actuate valve means containedwithin housing 247 to divert fluid from the main high pressure fluidline 257 through outlet 3M to sequence valve 315, the fluid passingthrough Siamese lines Sit and 3H. Thus fluid under pressure is directedagainst the opposite sides of istons 66 in cylinders 85 so as to causethe pistons 88 and forming dies I33 and I3? to be retracted from themuffler assembly, such movement continuing until the pistons 86 reachtheir extreme outermost positions. When the pistons reach this positionpressure rises in fluid lines 3|:3and 3l'l'and in the sequence valve3l5, causing fluid from the inlet 314 to be diverted to the 12 Siameselines 3l8-and 3l9to direct fluid under pressure to the lower ends of thecylinders 60 through the tubes 69 and beneath the pistons 55. Under theinfluence of fluid pressure, pistons are moved upwardly and as viewed inFigure 2, causes the movable clamps 38 to be moved upwardly in aclockwise direction away from the muiiier assembly 40 supported in thelower clamps 31. As the arms 38 move away from the mufiler assembly, thepin 16! engaging in notch I formed in member i5 3, the members 158 andI62 are caused to move downwardly. As pin I81 is mounted in the arm I51,the latter will be rotated about the axis of shaft 152 causing theforwardly extending arms I59 to swing upwardly into engagement with theexterior surface of the mufiler assembly to elevate the latter above thesupports or stationary clamps 31. The arms ifiii'and the mufflerassembly move upward until the arms reach an angular positionsuflilcient to cause the mufiler assembly to roll along the arms 5 50and rearwarclly of the machine to discharge the latter on to a conveyeror other suitable receiving means. When the arms I58 have reached anangular position wherein the muiller carried thereby is discharged, theabutment I10 carried by member I53 engages the stop memberlGB carried bymember Hi4, causing members 58 and l 5' 1 to swing in a counterclockwisedirection as viewed in Figure 2 about the shaft [58' thus moving memberI54 rearwardly and disengaging 1e notch ifiii from pin ISL When thisoccurs, the arms i5!) swing downwardly in a counterclockwise directionabout shaft I52 and out of the way so that another mufiier shell andunsecured end structure assembly may be placed in the supporting clamps31, and the cycle of operations above described may be repeated.

As the clamps 38 approach their uppermost limits'the switch E isactuated by the camdi'sc i83' so as to break the circuit through switchE89. As switch I80 is connected to one of the contacts in switch 260 bymeans of a connector- 32! the breaking of the circuit through switch Q80ole-energizes the coil 212 in the contactor switch 265 and, through theswitch 269 breaks the circuit involving connector 3H and solenoid 265;to cause the latter to move the main valve in the valve housing 24? outof registration with the outlet 3h: and to a neutral position whereinthere is no fluid under pressure passing from the valve housing 2 .1into any of the hydraulic lines. Thus, as switch ISO is the lastinstrumentality acted upon in the cycle of operations above described,it operates to restore the'status quo in the electrical circuits and inthe hydraulic circuits in preparation for a repetition of the series ofoperations upon the next mufiler assembly. As the breaking of thecircuit by switch I89 de-energizes magnetic contactor switch 260, and asswitches 25!) and 252 have been broken by retractive movement under theinfluence of springs 2l3 by reason of the pins or members 23% movingaway from the arms 208, there is no current flowing through any of theelectric circuits. In the event that an irregularity is encountered, asfor example, an imperfect mufiier body being inserted, the blocks H8under the excessive pressure of rollers I02 will compress springs I andthus prevent further forward movement 1 die member 437. Furthermore, thecycle of operations may be interrupted at any stage by simply depressingthe emergency stop switch 253.

After the operator has placed a new mulller shell and end structureassembly in the machine, it is only necessary for the operator to againdepress the starting button on starting switch Z lil in order that thesequence of operations above described will be carried out with eachsuccessive mufiler assembly placed in the machine.

It is apparent that, within the scope of the invention, modificationsand different arrangements may be made other than is herein disclosed,and the present disclosure is illustrative merely, the inventioncomprehending all variations thereof.

What we claim is:

1. Apparatus for performing operations on the ends of a hollow bodyincluding a frame; a pair of housings supported upon said frame; meansassociated with each of said housings adapted to support a hollow bodybetween said housings and upon which work is to be performed; a pair ofmetal forming dies telescopically arranged and reciprocably supported ineach of said housings; hydraulically actuated means for moving saidmetal forming dies into engagement with the end portions of the hollowbody; means associated with one of the dies in each housing wherebymovement thereof is arrested after the same has reached a predeterminedposition; each of said die arresting means including a relativelymovable control member; a spring supporting each of said members andadapted to be compressed when said die encounters excessive resistancein engaging the hollow body; and means to reverse the direction ofmovement of the hydraulically actuated means and the pairs of metalforming dies after completion of the work.

2. In combination, a frame; a pair of housings adjustably supported uponsaid frame; means associated with each of said housings adapted tosupport a mufiler assembly upon which work is g to be performed; aclamping arm pivotally supported adjacent each of said housings andadapted to be moved into clamping engagement with the mulller assemblyadjacent the supporting means; a pair of metal forming diestelescopically arranged and reciprocably mounted in each of saidhousings; means to move said dies into engagement with the mufflerassembly to perform work thereon; means including a cam block andcooperating roller for stopping forward movement of one of said dies ofeach set after the same has reached a predetermined position inengagement with the muffler assembly; means to reverse the direction ofmovement of the die moving means and dies upon completion of the work;means automatically brought into operation after completion of the workperforming operations to move said clamping arms away from the mufflerassembly.

3. In combination, a frame; a pair of housings adjustably supported uponsaid frame; means associated with each of said housings adapted tosupport a mufller assembly upon which work is to be performed; aclamping arm pivotally supported adjacent each of said housings andadapted to be moved into clamping engagement with the mufiler assemblyadjacent the support ing means; a pair of metal forming diestelescopically arranged and reciprocably mounted in each of saidhousings; means to move said dies into engagement with the mufflerassembly to perform work thereon; means including a cam block andcooperating roller for stopping forward movement of one of said dies ofeach set after the same has reached a predetermined position inengagement with the muffler assembly; electrically controlled means toreverse the direction of movement of the die moving means and dies aftercompletion of the work performing operations; means automaticallybrought into operation after completion of the work performingoperations to move said clamping arms away from the muffler assembly,and means set into operation by movement of said clamping arms away fromthe muilier assembly for elevating the latter from the supporting meansand discharging same therefrom.

4. In combination, a frame; a pair of housings adjustably supported uponsaid frame; means associated with each of said housings adapted tosupport a muffler assembly upon which work is to be performed; aclamping arm pivotally supported adjacent each of said housings andadapted to be moved into clamping engagement with the muffler assemblyadjacent the supporting means; a pair of metal forming toolstelescopically arranged and reciprocably mounted in each of saidhousings; means to move said tools into engagement with the mufilerassembly to perform work thereon; a yoke carried by a tool of each setand movable with said tool into lockingengagement with a mufflerassembly supporting means and the adjacent clamping arm; means includinga cam block and cooperating roller for stopping forward movement of oneof said tools of each set after the same has reached a predeterminedposition in engagement with the muffler assembly; means to reverse thedirection of movement of the tool moving means and tools aftercompletion of the work performing operations; means automaticallybrought into operation after completion of the work performingoperations to move said clamping arms away from the muffler assembly,and means set into operation by movement of said clamping arms away fromthe muffler assembly for elevating the latter from the supporting meansand discharging same therefrom.

5. In combination, a frame; a pair of housings adjustably supported uponsaid frame; means associated with each of said housings adapted tosupport a muffler assembly upon which work is to be performed; aclamping arm pivotally supported adjacent each of said housings andadapted to be moved into clamping engagement with the muffler assemblyadjacent the supporting means; a pair of metal forming diestelescopically arranged and reciprocably mounted in each of saidhousings; means to move said dies into engagement with the mufilerassembly to perform work thereon; a yoke carried by a die of each setand movable with said die into locking engagement with a mufflerassembly supporting means and the adjacent clamping arm; means includinga cam block and cooperating roller for stopping forward movement of oneof said dies of each set after the same has reached a predeterminedposition in engagement with the muffler assembly; a spring supportingsaid cam block; said block being adapted to recede when the toolencounters excessive resistance in engaging the muffler assembly;electrically controlled means to reverse the direction of movement ofthe die moving means and dies after completion of the work performingoperations; means automatically brought into operation after completionof the work performing operations to move said clamping arms away fromthe muffler assembly, and means set into operation by movement of saidclamping arms away from the muffler assembly for eleadjacent each ofsaid first mentioned dies; means including a plurality of linksconnecting each of said second mentioned dies to the rod adjacentthereto; said second mentioned dies being arranged to be actuated bysaid rods; means controlling the direction of movement of said linkswhereby movement of said second mentioned dies is arrested when saiddies are moved to a predetermined position while said first mentioneddies are subjected to continued movement by said rods, and meansassociated with each of said housings arranged to be engaged by saidrods for actuating said hydraulic means to return said rods and saiddies to their initial positions.

7. Apparatus for simultaneously performing bending operations on theends of hollow bodies including in combination a frame; a pair of spacedhousings adjustably carried by the frame;

means for supporting a hollow body between the housings; a rodreciprocably supported in each of said housings; a metal forming dieassociated with each rod and movable therewith; a second metal formingdie telescopingly arranged adjacent each of said first mentioned dies;means including pairs of interconnected links connecting each of saidsecond mentioned dies to the rod adjacent thereto; electricallycontrolled, hydraulically actuated means for moving said rods and dies;means controlling the path of the pairs of links whereby movement ofsaid second mentioned dies is arrested as said dies reach apredetermined position while said first mentioned dies are subjected tocontinued movement by said rods, and electrically interconnected meansarranged to be engaged by said rods for actuating said hydraulic meansto effect return movement of the rods and dies.

8. In combination, a frame; a housin supported upon the frame; meansassociated with the housing adapted to support a hollow body upon whichwork is to be performed; a pair of metal formin dies telescopinglyarranged and reciprocably supported in said housing; means for actuatingsaid pair of metal dies into engagement with the end portion of thehollow body; means associated with one of said forming dies wherebyforward movement thereof is arrested after it has been moved to apredetermined position while said first mentioned dies are subjected tocontinued movement by said rods; said die arresting means including amovably mounted control member; resilient means engaging the controlmember for maintaining the latter in a predetermined relative position;said control member being movable to compress the resilient means whenone of the dies encounters excessive resistance in engaging the hollowbody.

9. Apparatus for performin operations on the ends'of a hollow bodyincluding, in combination, a frame; a pair of housings adjustablysupported upon said frame; means associated with each. of said housingsadapted to support a hollow body between said housings; a pair of metalforming dies mounted for telescopic movement one within the othersupported in each housing; electricallycontrolled hydraulically-actuatedmeans for moving said pairs of metal forming dies into engagement withthe end portions of the hollow body; means including a plurality oflinks connecting one of the dies of each pair to thehydraulically-actuated means; means associated with said pairs of linkswhereby movement of the die connected thereto is arrested after it hasreached a predetermined position without interrupting the movement ofthe other of said pairs of dies; said die arresting means including aresiliently supported control member for controlling the direction ofmovement of said pairs of links; and electrically-controlled means toreverse the direction of movement of the hydraulically-actuated meansand the metal forming dies after completion of operations upon the endsof the hollow body.

10. Apparatus of the character disclosed, in combination, a supportingmeans for a hollow body having end heads disposed therein; meansincluding clamps movable into engagement with the hollow body forsecuring the latter in the supporting means; means for actuating saidbody securing clamps; means for forming an end of the hollow bodyincluding a pair of metal forming dies telescopingly arranged forrelative reciprocable movement; actuating means including a rod formoving said metal forming dies simultaneously for a predetermined periodof travel; means associated with one of said die elements forinterrupting the movement thereof; controlling means for said dieactuating means; means associated with said rod and engageable with saidcontrolling means to render the die actuating means effective to retractsaid die elements after completion of the formin operations on thehollow body; means for initiating operation of said clamp actuatingmeans to release the clamp upon completion of the forming operations;means for removing the hollow body from the supporting means, and meansset into operation upon retractive movement of said dies to actuate saidbody removing means.

JOHN W. MILLER. ADOLPI-I A. HALE.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 422,313 Paddack Feb. 25, 18901,590,749 Hulbert June 29, 1926 1,679,629 Rollman Aug. '7, 19281,833,620 Rollason Nov. 24, 1931 2,148,247 Swangren Feb. 21, 19392,228,651 Buck Jan. 14, 1941 2,230,518 Weinhold Feb. 4, 1941 2,264,524Hale Dec. 2, 1941 2,354,794 Buehler Aug. 1, 1944 2,382,046 Flowers Aug.14, 1945 2,407,855 Stephens Sept. 17, 1946 FOREIGN PATENTS NumberCountry Date 330,690 Great Britain June 19, 1930

